Articles by Mike Rhodes

Muncie Central High School Alumni Association Recognizes 2022 Distinguished Alumnus

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Central High School Alumni Association recognized a 1956 Central graduate as its 2022 distinguished alumnus at its annual meeting in November. The honoree was Raymond O. White Jr., a Native American who was a lifelong resident of Muncie and was chosen by his tribe for its highest honor – chief of the Miami Nation of Indians of the State of Indiana. White served as chief for eight years and was involved in tribal operations for at least 14 years. White followed in the footsteps of his grandmother, mother and brother, who worked in legislative…

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Indiana American Water Provides Tips to Properly Dispose of Fats, Oils and Grease

By IAW— GREENWOOD – With the holidays here, Indiana American Water is reminding customers not to invite FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) clogs to your gatherings. The day after Thanksgiving, which plumbers call Brown Friday—named after the color of sewage—is typically the busiest day of the year for them. Along with turkey, gravy, and all the trimmings come fats, oils, and grease that, if poured down the drain, can adhere to the insides of pipes, causing clogs that lead to sewer overflows and backups. Neither dishwashing detergents nor garbage disposals can properly break down these materials, which build up over time….


Dawn Brand Fluhler: ‘Gratitude is Good for Your Attitude’

By Dawn Brand Fluhler— MUNCIE, IN—Thanksgiving Day is only a single day on the calendar for us to express thankfulness and gratitude. Sometimes folks do that, as my family does, standing in a circle around the dining room table hand-in-hand taking turns sharing that one shiny thing we’re thankful for. For the Brands that ranges from butterflies to a roof over our heads to engagements or babies on the way to the abundance of love and comfort we’ve enjoyed. Twelve years ago this fall I was finishing up grad school research on gratitude theory. At that time in my life…


Ball Brothers Foundation Awards Over $5 Million in Funding for 39 Projects

By Melissa Narlock— MUNCIE, IN — Ball Brothers Foundation approved over $5 million in funding for 39 projects during its second round of grantmaking in 2022. The grants included funding to support efforts that further bolster school counseling programs and expand outdoor learning throughout schools in the heart of Muncie. During its fall grant round, Ball Brothers Foundation awarded funding to educational organizations including: Project Leadership: $15,000 to support continuation of the Delaware County Comprehensive Counseling Coalition. Burris Laboratory School (via Ball State University): $200,000 for K-12 education improvement and innovation. Muncie Community Schools: $450,000 for support of pre-K-12 education…


Madjax Accepting Applications for Makers and Educators in Residence

By Kyra Zylstra, Director of Initiatives and Partnerships, Madjax Maker Force— MUNCIE, IN—What are you passionately curious about? What skills or designs would you like to share? Join the Madjax team in creating new opportunities for curiosity, connection, and purpose. Madjax is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Maker Cohorts including Makers in Residence, Educator Makers in Residence and Fab Lab Fellows. These year-long fellowships provide the opportunity for makers, artists, students, and educators to contribute to the Madjax Maker Force community by leading workshops and developing artistic and placemaking projects. The fellowships provide membership access to the Design and…


Cardinal Greenways to Host Annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving

By Intersection— MUNCIE, IN — The Turkey Trot is Cardinal Greenways’ classic Thanksgiving Day event. The non-competitive event is for walkers and runners of all ages and abilities, along with their dogs. Beginning at the Historic Wysor Street Depot at 8:00 a.m., participants have the option of walking or running different routes along the beautiful Cardinal Greenway and the scenic White River Greenway. “We encourage everyone to come out and build up their appetites on Thanksgiving morning. We’re so grateful for our strong community that supported us throughout the pandemic and the challenges it brought along. It’s amazing to see how…


FREE COVID-19 Test Kits & Vaccinations From Open Door

By Suzanne Clem— MUNCIE, IN – Community members have the opportunity to receive free COVID-19 test kits, as well as no-cost Covid vaccination, at upcoming Open Door Health Services events. Free at-home test kits will be distributed Monday, November 21 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Open Door’s administrative site, located at 220 S. Walnut St. in Muncie. The public is invited to pick up a supply for homes, workplaces, or civic organizations. Free test kits will again be available at the same location on Thursday, December 1 from 5-8 p.m. during Light Up DWNTWN events. Free Covid vaccination, including bivalent…


Minnetrista Invites Donations for Local Organizations for Giving Back Tuesday

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN – To celebrate Giving Back Tuesday and provide assistance to several local organizations, Minnetrista will be collecting specific items on Tuesday, November 29 in the Center Building. The organizations benefiting from the event include the YWCA of Central Indiana, Open Door Health Services, Whitely Community Food Pantry, and Muncie Toys for Tots. Each organization will be looking for something specific. The items needed are as follows: YWCA: Personal care items, towels, pillows, twin sheets Toys for Tots: New or gently used unwrapped toys for children ages newborn-12. No used stuffed animals or books will be…


Feed My Sheep Celebrates 27th Anniversary, Needs Donations

By Jeannine Lee Lake— MUNCIE, IN—I am one of those people who absolutely loves Muncie. I love living here, I love the people here, I love Ball State University where I graduated and I think we might have the market cornered on the “love your neighbor” thing. I love Muncie because we truly are “Middletown” still in 2022, a wonderful melting pot of tough blue-collar workers, educated professionals, and tons of sub-cultures, races and ethnicities in between. I think what I love most about Muncie is its “heart,” the way the people here express their care and concern for one…


Indoor Farmers Market Season Begins at Minnetrista

By Katie Maggart—  MUNCIE, IN—It’s that time of year again! The outdoor season of Farmers Market at Minnetrista has wrapped up and moved indoors for the winter months. Join family, friends, and neighbors in the Minnetrista Center Building as the indoor Market kicks off on Saturday, November 19 from 9 a.m.–Noon. During your visit, be sure to connect with local vendors to discover what’s new, and continue shopping in The Orchard Shop at Minnetrista. You can expect to see returning and new vendors, including artisan vendors. “Our local vendors are looking forward to another great season of Minnetrista’s Farmers Market:…